New York City FC are yet to receive a suitable offer for Valentin Castellanos amid speculation over a move to Leeds United, according to 90min . The Argentinian striker has been hot property after leading NYCFC to MLS Cup glory thanks to 22 goals in 35 appearances last season and 11 in 18 so far this year.
He was offered to Manchester City, but the Premier League champions turned down the offer after signing Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland - although they did recommend another top-flight side sign him. And the Whites have been the most interested party since then, sending representatives - including Angus Kinnear - to New York.
But the MLS club, who are keen to cash in on their talent, are yet to receive an offer which meets their demands and they look set to hold strong when it comes to negotiating.
READ MORE: How Leeds United could line up if they sign their reported targets
“A source with knowledge of the situation told 90min that, given the hole his departure would leave in Ronny Deila's team, NYCFC would only sell if a substantial offer was put on the table,” they wrote. “And that the reigning MLS Cup champions are very unwilling to be negotiated down, fully aware of Castellanos' value as a Golden Boot winner and Argentina youth international.”
Reports have suggested anything between £10-13 million for the 23-year-old, who could partner Patrick Bamford in the front-two as well as fill in for him in the case of injury. The Whites are known to be in the market for another striker, and have been linked with the likes of RB Salzburg’s Junior Adamu or Honduran international Alberth Elis.
Castellanos would be the best fit of the three, dropping into spaces between the lines to link up play before picking his moments to attack the box. His goals paint the picture of a poacher but the Argentina under-23 international is an effective link up player and a relentless worker.
Making the step up to the Premier League from the MLS is understandably a cause for concern, but the striker has proven himself to be a clinical finisher and, at 23, has plenty of time to improve.
